02 October 2011

I really like Gina

Now don't worry...this isn't some public display of affection for someone called Gina. This is merely a public display of affection for the many someones at Gina's [Italian Kitchen].

Four times within the last eleven months I have found myself dining in the glorious splendor that is Italy (in Auckland). Three of those times have been with four fabulous friends who know a good thing when they see it.

In the next blog I will talk about the delicious food...but on this occasion, I will go against my 'save-the-best-till-last' analogy, and inform you of their impeccable service...

Imagine with me, if you would, five young women sitting around a table more appropriately sized for that of a couple. They are there to celebrate a birthday and it’s all going well as rather attractive males with perfectly distinct Italian accents circle around smiling and laughing whilst menus are being perused. After making it through their entree and main courses they find themselves in that situation where fullness is obvious, but the sweet delights of the dessert menu are calling their names ever so loudly. It doesn't take a lot of convincing though, and dessert is on its way.

While chatting and laughing away, something catches their eye. Then, without warning, the lights have been dimmed, their central dining location has been exposed, and a half dozen shirtless Italian men come singing “Buon Compleanno” to the birthday girl. After a few kisses on the cheek (and, as the story goes, a sneaky one on the lips) any maturity this group had was sufficiently stripped away in their giggles of what was both joy and shock. Never had they expected what they received that night, and in conjunction with the discount coupon they had, it was definitely value for money.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. No visit has lived up to that first fateful night...but honestly, who’d expect it to?